I have the extra large (short handles) and it is wonderful for the beach or pool, easily holding all your towels and other items. I am not one that needs (or wants) an extra pocket, I think the tote bag is great, as is! I also have the medium (long handles) for carrying magazines and other items when traveling. The bag is strong enough to handle many magazines, fits under the seat in front of you etc I've given the large bag (long handles) as a college gift and filled it with laundry items and it's always well appreciated. Obviously, you need to take note of the measurements when ordering a bag, the picture they have on the site now with a person holding the different sizes is really a great way to gauge it. I do wish they still carried the brown color option! It was really lovely! Not sure why they got rid of it!
I have had my LL Bean bag for years and it still looks like new. I fly accross the country fequently and always use my bag as a carry on..it fits eveything. I highly reccomend it. Not to mention, I receive a ton of compliments on it.
I've been buying these bags back to the day when there was only one size and three different color handles. They last! They stand the weather. I can carry 20 pounds of groceries in one. I can pack up a couple changes of clothes and take off for New York. I got everything I need with me and can walk around the city like a local. Next to the shoes, this has to be a signature product of this company. The Bote and Tote Bag--the city dweller's best friend. The only weakness seems to be the handles, they wear out faster than the bag material itself!
